Which Dog For Me?

Which Dog for Me?

Finding the Perfect Match

Like people, all dogs are different. Hearing dogs come in different shapes and sizes and all have their own, special character. They are all dogs that have been selected from dog rescue organisations and show the sorts of characteristics needed to become a reliable hearing dog.

You cannot select your own dog, but we take great care in matching you with a suitable dog that meets as many of your requirements as possible. We consult with the applicant before a final decision is made.

In nearly all cases the match between dog and owner are very successful.

Lovable Dropouts

We guaranteed to find a new life for all our dogs whether they pass the hearing dog training or not. There are no ‘failures’—but some dogs are just not suited to the special role they have to play as hearing dogs. We call these dogs lovable dropouts, and we soon find homes for them as much-loved (and very well trained) pets.

Which Breed is Best?

One of the most common questions we get asked is ‘which breed makes the best Hearing Dog?’, and the answer to that question is ‘whatever suits the person in need!’.

A great variety of breeds are used in our training program and every dog is chosen based on several important points, including:

The dog has to be able to hear and be interested in sounds.

The dog has to be friendly and want to be with people.

The dog has to be food motivated.

There are dogs in every breed which match those criteria, which is why Australian Lions Hearing Dogs are sourced from pounds, shelters and rescue organisations with a high focus on selecting dogs that have the ability to help people. We don’t need to breed dogs to fit a particular type when there are a great number of dogs who are waiting for a chance to find great homes and have the potential to help those in need.

Spot Lions Hearing Dog

Lions Hearing Dogs

One in six Australians suffer from some form of hearing loss with this number expected to rise to one in four by 2050. This number is greatly increased in older Australians.